Barnardos Finance Internship

The Barnardo’s Finance Internship offers aspiring finance professionals a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience within a leading UK children’s charity. This internship provides exposure to various aspects of charity finance, contributing to the vital work Barnardo’s does to support vulnerable children, young people, and families.

Typically, the internship is structured to provide a broad overview of financial operations within a large non-profit organization. Interns might be involved in tasks such as:

• Financial Accounting: Assisting with the preparation of financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements. This involves data entry, reconciliation of accounts, and ensuring accuracy in financial reporting.
• Management Accounting: Contributing to the budgeting process, analyzing variances, and preparing management reports that provide insights into the organization’s financial performance. This can involve working with different departments to understand their financial needs and performance.
• Grants Management: Supporting the team in tracking grants received and ensuring compliance with donor requirements. This might involve preparing reports for grant providers, monitoring expenditure against budgets, and maintaining accurate records.
• Payroll and Payments: Assisting with payroll processing and processing payments to suppliers and beneficiaries. This provides exposure to the practical aspects of managing financial transactions.
• Financial Analysis: Undertaking research and analysis to support decision-making. This could involve analyzing financial data to identify trends, assess the financial viability of projects, or evaluate the impact of different funding scenarios.
• Internal Controls: Supporting the finance team in maintaining effective internal controls to safeguard the organization’s assets. This involves understanding and adhering to established procedures and identifying areas for improvement.

Beyond the technical skills gained, the Barnardo’s Finance Internship offers valuable insight into the unique challenges and rewards of working in the charity sector. Interns develop a strong understanding of how financial management contributes to the delivery of vital services and the positive impact on the lives of vulnerable children.

Successful applicants are generally students pursuing degrees in finance, accounting, economics, or related fields. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in Microsoft Excel are typically required. More importantly, a genuine interest in the mission of Barnardo’s and a desire to contribute to the organization’s work are highly valued.

The internship often includes opportunities for professional development, such as workshops, training sessions, and mentorship from experienced finance professionals. This support helps interns to build their skills and confidence, preparing them for future careers in finance, whether within the charity sector or beyond.

By completing the Barnardo’s Finance Internship, individuals gain practical experience, develop valuable skills, and contribute to a worthwhile cause. It’s a fantastic opportunity for those seeking a meaningful and impactful internship in the finance field.